Members of the team at the Seaton Tramway have recently attended the annual FEDECRAIL Conference in Austria. Bringing together heritage railways and tramways from across Europe the conference allowed attendees from across Europe to discuss a range of topics including coal sources, insurance and the future of heritage rail.
Amongst the attendees this year were Jenny Nunn, Chief Executive, and Josh Castree, Marketing Manager, from the Seaton Tramway. At the event – which was held in person for the first time since 2019 – there was the chance for railway representatives to network and share ideas with fellow railway organisations from all over Europe. Discussions took place on subjects such as the use of renewable energy sources and ways to attract more visitors to heritage rail sites.
Jenny Nunn, Chief Executive at Seaton Tramway, said: “It was an incredibly enlightening experience to learn from so many experts in the industry. We had the opportunity to discuss a range of topics and explore new possibilities for the future of heritage rail. We are excited to bring these new ideas back to our own organization and to work together for a bright future for heritage rail. We have made so many new connections and to be part of a larger community that is working to preserve this important part of our history.”
During the conference the chance was taken to visit Vienna’s rich history of tram operations, with the group able to travel through Vienna’s streets on original Viennese trams. The Remise Vienna’s Transport Museum, home to steam trams, horse drawn trams and buses, was also explored.
The conference was a great success and now they are back the Seaton Tramway team are looking forward to applying the lessons leant and to continue working alongside other organisations across Europe.
Gilbert the Seaton Tramway Station Master also went along to Vienna! He’s seen here with heritage vehicle 4134 and modern tram 730.
Josh Castree and Jenny Nunn enjoying the chance to ride on some of Vienna’s heritage trams. (Both Photographs courtesy of Seaton Tramway)